1999 Volkswagen Passat Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 58about this part
- Share
- 9%of 664 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,799miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 58 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat, 9% of the 664 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,799 miles. 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car was having a foul odor. Dealer did not have information for other complaints. After work, car would not start, alarm would not stop. Alarm killed battery. Dealer said leak in sunroof caused module to corrode and leak into interior. $1,440.00 to repair. Problem is identified in class action but our car is not included. I am leasing a car for my son to drive but now his daughter has eczema and asthma from the mold. How can I get vw to fix my car too?”
NHTSA complaint #10520532, filed 2013-06, 154,000 miles“I got in my car one morning and started the ABS lights and brake lights come on the instrument panel and has pretty much been on since and I have noticed without ABS my car doesn't stop near as fast as it used to the dealer said it was the ABS computer failed and the manufacture would have to send me anew one but that it was really pricy to fix and a group that I am with also drive the same cars a large number of them and there's has failed just like mine did.”
NHTSA complaint #10239723, filed 2008-08, 105,556 miles“Abs, brake, and oil light come on intermittently. It started today, and it looks like from my research it will continue until I spend close to 2k on an entire module when only one small chip solder failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10206358, filed 2007-10, 160,000 miles“I have a 1999 vw Passat, 1.8l turbocharged, manual transmission. There are 40,500 miles on the clock. One of the 4 ignition coils just failed. This is costing me about $550. I know there are acknowledged problems with the coils on later models, which vw is 'recalling', but wanted to register my problem for the record. Also this problem occurred immediately after the 40,000 mile service and state inspection, which I find 'ironic'?”
NHTSA complaint #10013883, filed 2003-04, 40,653 miles“Abs light coming on once in a while. Now stays on permanently and beeps. Concerned about safety of brakes. Cost to repair $1600. This car has been in the shop numerous times for electrical problems since I purchased it. I will never buy another vw.”
NHTSA complaint #10086617, filed 2004-08, 90,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10228178Dec 6, 2022Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
- 10159014Mar 22, 2019Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 10158529Feb 19, 2019Battery Testing and Charging instruction. Updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10133469Nov 10, 2017Tip for Scan tool concerns that may occur duing a test plan
- 10157832Sep 19, 2017Update to model year applicability.
- 10157828Sep 14, 2017Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10122956May 8, 2015Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open…
- 10121196Feb 16, 2015Technical Bulletin: Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000VAS Charger
- 10242998Dec 22, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 23% |
| 2021 | 4 | 20% |
| 2020 | 3 | 17% |
| 2019 | 4 | 33% |
| 2018 | 10 | 22% |
| 2017 | 18 | 16% |
| 2016 | 22 | 21% |
| 2015 | 48 | 20% |
| 2014 | 74 | 12% |
| 2013 | 93 | 12% |
| 2012 | 95 | 20% |
| 2011 | 4 | 25% |
| 2010 | 21 | 13% |
| 2009 | 18 | 12% |
| 2008 | 21 | 13% |
| 2007 | 34 | 13% |
| 2006 | 79 | 14% |
| 2005 | 9 | 6% |
| 2004 | 23 | 8% |
| 2003 | 90 | 14% |
| 2002 | 220 | 35% |
| 2001 | 73 | 17% |
| 2000 | 43 | 8% |
| 1999 | 58 | 9% |
| 1998 | 28 | 8% |
| 1997 | 13 | 35% |
| 1996 | 14 | 35% |
| 1995 | 15 | 16% |
| 1994 | 5 | 20% |
| 1993 | 14 | 21% |
| 1992 | 3 | 8% |
| 1991 | 2 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat
233 complaintsSuspension
118 complaintsEngine cooling
86 complaintsSteering
76 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
33 complaintsVehicle speed control
32 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsTires
12 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology